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Post by alenka on Sept 7, 2020 16:04:32 GMT
The response to Gordon Knights petition is woeful. Other petitions started around the same time draw the following support...
300,000 in support of all over 70's having to take a new driving test every 3 years, despite the majority of accidents being caused by young drivers.
56,000 is support of the hedgehog being declared and endangered species!
However, there is a small glimmer of hope.
The Cruising Association are in deep discussion with the Greek Ministries to see if a combined cruising tax and six month cruising visa can replace the difficult to manage E-Tepai / Transit Log systems. Both parties are hopeful of a workable way ahead. This would benefit not just Brits but also Americans, Canadians, Australians, etc., who fall under the same 90 day restrictions and the irritation of a transit log. With over 4,500 British registered yachts based in Greece it is in Greek interests to find a solution. I cannot comment on the situation in other parts of the EU Med.
After being in communication with Wendy Morton MP - Minister for the European Neighbourhood and the Americas it is obvious that Boris Johnsons government are very happy to offer a six month visa free system for EU citizens visiting the UK but will not be entering into discussion for a reciprocal arrangement - even though it has not been ruled out by the EU.
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Post by jy51 on Sept 7, 2020 17:37:07 GMT
The response to Gordon Knights petition is woeful. Other petitions started around the same time draw the following support... 300,000 in support of all over 70's having to take a new driving test every 3 years, despite the majority of accidents being caused by young drivers. 56,000 is support of the hedgehog being declared and endangered species! However, there is a small glimmer of hope. The Cruising Association are in deep discussion with the Greek Ministries to see if a combined cruising tax and six month cruising visa can replace the difficult to manage E-Tepai / Transit Log systems. Both parties are hopeful of a workable way ahead. This would benefit not just Brits but also Americans, Canadians, Australians, etc., who fall under the same 90 day restrictions and the irritation of a transit log. With over 4,500 British registered yachts based in Greece it is in Greek interests to find a solution. I cannot comment on the situation in other parts of the EU Med. After being in communication with Wendy Morton MP - Minister for the European Neighbourhood and the Americas it is obvious that Boris Johnsons government are very happy to offer a six month visa free system for EU citizens visiting the UK but will not be entering into discussion for a reciprocal arrangement - even though it has not been ruled out by the EU. Alenka, an interesting option, I can only wish the Cruising Association all the best of luck in coming up with a Greek deal to offer a short term residency permit combined with the existing cruising tax, but as you say it’s only the start and could take a few years to finalise if at all. It will need each individual Mediterranean Country to offer a tailored form of short term residency that will be suitable For long term Mediterranean cruising and personal I feel it will be many years before we could see this or benefit from this. I do have one question, I cannot understand why, the U.K. government are in favour of a 6 month deal yet are not prepared to discuss it with the EU and more strangely who said the EU have not ruled out offering a deal, do you have proof as this sounds highly unlikely.
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Post by alenka on Sept 7, 2020 21:16:10 GMT
Both the UK and Eire already offer 6 month no visa travel to a whole host of countries.
After raising the issue with my local MP Ester McVey I received correspondence from Wendy Morton MP - Minister for the European Neighbourhood and the Americas confirming that it was the governments intention to offer EU nationals 6 months non visa travel within the UK, but not to actively seek a reciprocal agreement.
I do not understand this reasoning either.
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